There’s much more to a strong core than the coveted six pack. And while many people associate the core with the abdominal muscles, they only make up part of this region. The core is composed of muscles in your pelvis; lower back, hips and abdomen. As you can imagine, the core is the body’s center of power and therefore its condition matters more than you might have considered. Let’s look at some of the everyday benefits of a strong core that go beyond the skin deep.
Your lower back will thank you.
When core strength improves so does your lower back. Pain and discomfort in this area can actually be a sign of a weak core (among other things). Weightlifting is another consideration. You need a strong center of gravity to lift heavy things in a safe manner. A strong core protects your back muscles, boosts stability and can reduce your risk of injury. Any new mom will tell you that this comes handy when picking up an infant!
Perform at your best in sports.
Want to improve that PR? Train your core. Your core muscles keep your torso upright when you run and allows the muscles, bones and joints to work together more smoothly. Because your arms and legs are all connected to your trunk, core strength can drive performance. That’s why runners need to do more than run to prepare for a race. The same goes for other sports, like tennis, golf, biking, etc. Ever watch a pro golfer in action? He or she relies a lot on the core muscles to swing.
Complete chores and hobbies with ease.
Routine housework like vacuuming depends on a strong torso. The same goes for gardening and even riding a bike. All of these tasks require some amount of core strength, stability and balance.
Sit up straighter.
Weak core muscles can make you more prone to slouching. Good posture, on the other hand, trims your physique and can signal confidence. More importantly, good posture is gentle on the spine and creates space for deeper breathing.
What are your favorite core exercises? Don’t forget you don’t need any equipment to work this muscle group!